Module: The Aviation Sector & Flying Theory 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	The Aviation Sector & Flying Theory 2
Module Code	MNA1034 (ITS: EE162)
Faculty	Electronic Engineering	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The aviation industry is a vast industry with a huge diversity of interconnected roles. Safety and efficiency is compromised when these roles become compartmentalised and the people involved do not appreciate the issues, terminology and patterns of thinking of other roles. Because the private pilot’s licence (PPL) brings the holder into contact with many of the aspects of the aviation industry that are outside normal business domains, the associated PPL Theoretical Knowledge course is a useful vehicle to introduce students to the diverse technologies and operations of this industry. This module and the follow-on module will supplement this theoretical knowledge with inputs from experts in the sector and off-campus visits to relevant facilities which give the student an overview of how the sector and different roles within it work. The aim of the module is • To continue the student's introduction to the technologies and operations of the aviation industry through a further subset of the theoretical knowledge required for gaining a Private Pilot’s Licence • To continue the student's introduction to the broad scope of technical, legislative, personal, knowledge and skills requirements that are a foundation for many activities in the aviation sector. A significant part of the module content is aligned with the syllabus of Theoretical Knowledge for the PPL(A) as specified in the JAR document AMC FCL 1.125.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of Meteorology as it relates to the needs of general aviation operating under visual flight rules.
2. Decode and use weather reports and forecasts as the basis for decision-making that demonstrates an appropriate balance between safety and risk in the operation of light aircraft and the planning of VFR cross-country flights
3. Use a knowledge of the Principles of Flight of fixed-wing aircraft to explain how a light aircraft may be operated safely in all phases of flight.
4. Use details of known facts about Human Performance and Limitations to support decision-making in case studies or hypothetical scenarios that demonstrate an appropriate balance between safety and risk in the operation of light aircraft.
5. Demonstrate an ability to conduct effective and efficient RT communications with a real or simulated Air Traffic Service.
6. Sit, with a high probability of passing, the relevant MCQ exams operated by the IAA for the PPL Theoretical Knowledge examinations.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Overviews, study guidance and guest lectures
Lecture	24	Timetabled CBT-based learning in the computer lab
Independent Study	77	Self-directed learning using supplied materials, further CBT and materials sourced by the student themselves
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20418	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Donnacha Lowney	Module Teacher	Darragh Owens, Noel Murphy, Viktoriia Ivannikova

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Short Answer Questions	Formative assessment in the style of the IAA MCQ-style exams	15%	Week 7
Practical/skills evaluation	This may vary from year to year, but would in general encompass the decision-making processes involved in aviation, including the sources of information and the role of the human in the process.	15%	Week 12
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Meteorology
Properties of the atmosphere and weather relevant to aviation; forecasting, sources and formats of weather information;

Principles Of Flight
Aerfoils, flying controls, stability, the stall, load factors and manoeuvring;

Human Performance and Limitations
Basic physiology and psychology as they are related to the human body in flight and decision-making by the pilot;

Radiotelephony Communications
Procedures for different phases of flight; standard terminology; breakdown and failure of communications; distress and urgency procedures; general flight safety.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Trevor Thom, Peter Godwin (Editor): 0, The Air Pilot's Manual, 1843360640
Trevor Thom, Peter Godwin (Editor): 0, Aviation Law and Meteorology, 1843360667
Trevor Thom, Peter Godwin (Editor): 0, The Air Pilot's Manual, 1843360705
Trevor Thom, Peter Godwin (Editor): 0, Radiotelephony, 1843360713
UK CAA: 0, Full set of CAA Safety Sense Leaflets, available electronically for free download, http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=list&type=sercat&id=21,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None